Many seniors have started thinking about the job search process with graduation fast
approaching. The search for jobs can be overwhelming for those new to the process, so below are a few helpful tips to get you started.
1. “Network or Not Work”
Many have heard the call to network from Susan Rayer, but you may be confused on who you should reach out to. Networking should not only take place with close friends and relatives. Networking should extend to your professors, family friends, employers, and acquaintances. If you are having trouble making or identifying connections the Career Development Center can aid with this process through their resource of Transylvania Alumni.
2. Websites
There are many websites out there to help with the job search. Some of the top rated sites include Indeed, LinkUp, and SimplyHired. If you have a specific city in mind you can also look at their classified ads. For example, LeoList covers all of Canada and allows you to search for job ads by occupation and by province/city. Professors are a good resource to use as well because certain majors have websites that are more relevant to their field. Specifically, a Psychology major could look on Bluegrass.org for current mental health positions in Lexington. When it comes to your CV there are also websites for that. You can make it online on CV building websites, such as cvmaker.
3. Location
It can be hard to sift through job postings of a large geographic area, so make it a little easier to narrow the locations you are considering. If you like a geographic area, for example, the North West, you could narrow your search to cities such as Seattle and Portland. If you do not have a starting point research areas that the industry you are trying to enter is popular. Staying close by in Lexington or Louisville is also a great idea because these cities hold the greatest Transy connections and networking opportunities.
4. Time To Apply
It is important to start looking for jobs right away. By starting the search now you can
familiarize yourself with companies and organizations that you may be interested in working for. A senior should start applying for jobs around February and take into consideration the information you found earlier in the year. If there was a company you especially liked email them your resume and cover letter and ask if they have any positions available. The research you do now could lead to less stress when February roles around.
5. Experience
Many jobs state that they need an employee to have 2-3 years experience in the field. Don’t be alarmed because this type of experience can be flexible. Your experience can include a project you worked on, an internship you completed, research you’ve done or even any online courses that you have taken to help you with your career development (you can find out more about career development if you would like more information on it here: dotcomwomen.com/biz/4-effective-ways-develop-career-stage/4-effective-ways-develop-career-stage)
6. Interviews
Before applying and interviewing for a job make sure to thoroughly research the company.
The knowledge you gain about their mission and procedures can go a long way in the hiring process. It is useful to go into the interview prepared with two or three talking points concerning that company. Finally, always follow up after the interview in the form of an email or hand-written note. In this follow up you should reiterate your points, correct anything you mistakenly said, and thank them for the opportunity to interview.
If you still are unsure what type of job you want to pursue after college make an appointment with Susan Rayer in the Career Development Center and she can help you set up some job shadowships to narrow your search.
